Remortgaging was the most robust sector of the housing market, performing well on both a monthly and annual basis, increasing by 10% compared to October, and by 3% compared to November 2013.
John Bagshaw, Corporate Services Director of Connells Survey & Valuation, comments:
“Remortgaging is defying the rest of the market. With the base rate set to remain low well into 2015, it is clear that this is driving demand. Lenders continue to offer even more competitive mortgage rates, while many households are using this opportunity to remortgage and reduce their monthly payments.”
By contrast, the total number of valuations for all purposes fell 5% on an annual basis. However this is a considerable improvement from a steeper drop of 10% over the twelve months to October 2014. On a monthly basis property valuations remained static since October.
John Bagshaw continues:
“November saw a marked shift in sentiment with more lenders and borrowers opting for a tone of caution. Regulatory changes continue to impact other sectors of the market, especially first time buyers with restrictions on lending. On the other hand, the low base rate has powered demand for remortgaging, and to a lesser extent, buy-to-let.
“While this year the total number of valuations fell by 5% compared to last year, this annual figure compares favourably with historic data – and exceeds the number of valuations recorded in November 2012, 2011 and 2010. With so many variables in play it remains to be seen whether this points to a cooling market in 2015 or if this is part of the usual festive seasonal trend.”
Buy-to-let also performed well compared with the rest of the market, dipping 5% since October and by 1% compared to the previous November.
John Bagshaw commented:
“Buy-to-let is also doing well, supported by an array of low LTV products. Lenders have become more focused on low risk borrowers, such as landlords who typically have lower LTVs and multiple streams of income.”
First time buyer valuations were down the most on an annual basis (11%), making up under a third of total activity (28%) and dipping 7% compared to the previous month.
The number of valuations for homemovers saw the second fastest annual fall, down 9% compared to November last year. However, on a month on month basis this sector of the market saw no change.
John Bagshaw concludes:
“Recent policy changes such as loan to income caps have introduced new restrictions on lending. These, together with rising house prices have affected first time buyers the most, despite schemes like Help to Buy.
“Looking ahead, the recent overhaul to stamp duty will hopefully take off some of the financial pressure off first time buyers and boost demand once again.”
